Holiday Hiring Surge: Where to Find Seasonal Jobs in 2026

Seasonal hiring is picking up as businesses across the United States prepare for the busy holiday shopping season. From retail stores and warehouses to delivery companies, restaurants and customer service departments, employers often hire temporary workers to handle increased demand between October and January. For job seekers looking to earn extra money before the holidays, seasonal employment can offer flexible schedules, short term work and, in some cases, a path to a permanent position. Whether someone is a college student, looking for a second job or hoping to earn additional income before the end of the year, there are several places to search for holiday jobs in 2026.

Where to Find Holiday Seasonal Jobs

Retailers are among the most common seasonal employers during the holiday season. Stores often need additional workers to help customers, restock shelves, manage fitting rooms, process purchases and prepare online orders for pickup. Common seasonal retail positions include sales associates, cashiers, stockroom employees, customer service representatives and fulfillment workers. Shopping centers may also offer temporary opportunities with individual stores, gift wrapping services and holiday events. Job seekers can check the careers pages of major retailers, including Walmart, Target, Macy’s, Kohl’s and Best Buy, for seasonal openings. Availability varies by location, and applicants should confirm whether positions are temporary, part time or eligible for permanent employment.

Amazon and Warehouse Jobs

The holiday shopping rush creates additional demand for workers who help move packages from warehouses to customers. Distribution centers, fulfillment facilities and shipping operations may hire seasonal employees to pick and pack orders, sort packages, load shipments and manage inventory. Amazon, UPS and FedEx are among the companies job seekers can check for seasonal warehouse and package handling positions. Other opportunities may be available through regional logistics companies. These jobs can involve physically demanding work, extended periods of standing, lifting and overnight or weekend shifts. Applicants should review the physical requirements, expected schedule and pay listed for each opening before applying.

Delivery and Package Handling

Delivery companies and businesses offering fast shipping may need extra workers during the holiday season. Depending on the employer, available positions can include package handlers, warehouse associates, delivery drivers and support staff. Some positions require a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record or other qualifications. Independent delivery opportunities may also be available, although workers should review vehicle expenses, insurance requirements and employment classifications before accepting an offer. People who prefer working behind the scenes can look for package sorting and warehouse positions that do not require driving.

Restaurants, Grocery Stores and Catering Companies

Restaurants, grocery stores and catering businesses may also hire seasonal employees as families gather for holiday meals, office parties and celebrations. Opportunities can include servers, hosts, kitchen assistants, grocery clerks, food preparation workers and catering staff. Grocery stores may need additional employees to restock shelves, fulfill pickup orders and help customers during busy shopping periods. Restaurants and event venues may also need temporary workers to support increased reservations and private events. Applicants can check local restaurant groups, grocery store career pages, hotels and catering companies for openings. Evening and weekend availability may be particularly useful for these positions.

Customer Service and Remote Work

Some companies hire temporary customer service representatives to handle increased questions about orders, returns, shipping delays and refunds during the holiday season. These positions may involve answering phone calls, responding to emails, assisting customers through live chat or tracking online orders. Some jobs offer remote work, but applicants should verify that the position is genuinely work from home and available in their state. Job seekers can search company career websites and established employment platforms using terms such as “seasonal customer service representative,” “holiday support specialist” and “temporary remote customer service.”

Holiday Events and Entertainment

Seasonal employment is not limited to stores and warehouses. Holiday attractions, shopping centers, hotels and event companies may need temporary staff to manage increased visitor traffic. Potential positions include event assistants, ticket takers, parking attendants, photographers, guest service representatives and holiday attraction workers. Some employers also hire seasonal staff for Christmas markets, holiday light displays, ice skating rinks and visits with Santa. These jobs may be a good fit for people who enjoy interacting with the public and prefer an active work environment.

Amazon Holiday Hiring Opportunities

Amazon is one company to watch during the 2026 holiday hiring season. Job seekers interested in fulfillment, warehouse operations and package handling can search for openings based on their location and availability. Seasonal employees may find positions involving order fulfillment, inventory management, sorting and shipping. Pay, schedules, benefits and job requirements vary by position and location, so applicants should review the details of each listing. Applicants can explore opportunities through Amazon’s official hiring website at https://hiring.amazon.com/search/seasonal-jobs.

How to Find and Apply for Seasonal Jobs

Job seekers can improve their chances of finding holiday employment by starting with employers’ official career websites and checking listings regularly. Many seasonal positions are filled on a rolling basis, meaning openings can appear throughout the fall rather than all at once. Useful search terms include “holiday seasonal jobs 2026,” “part time holiday jobs near me,” “seasonal warehouse jobs,” “holiday retail hiring” and “temporary customer service jobs.”

Applicants should also consider the following steps:

Apply early. Some employers begin recruiting before the holiday rush, and available positions may fill quickly.

Keep your availability clear. Employers may prioritize applicants who can work weekends, evenings, early mornings or other high demand shifts.

Compare pay and benefits. Review hourly wages, overtime eligibility, shift differentials, employee discounts and any eligibility requirements for benefits.

Check whether the job is temporary. Ask about the expected end date and whether permanent employment may be possible after the season.

Avoid employment scams. Apply through verified company websites, and be cautious of recruiters who request upfront payments, banking details before a legitimate hiring process or payment for mandatory equipment through suspicious channels.

Can a Seasonal Job Turn Into Permanent Employment?

Yes. Some employers consider seasonal employees for permanent positions when additional year round staffing is needed. A temporary job can also provide experience in customer service, retail operations, inventory management and logistics. However, permanent employment is not guaranteed. Applicants should ask about the possibility of staying on after the holidays and review the terms of their offer before accepting a position. For people seeking extra income, short term employment may provide an opportunity to earn money while gaining work experience. For those looking for a longer term career, a seasonal position can also offer a chance to demonstrate reliability and learn about an employer’s operations.